BLOOD BROTHERS
 
Our donors
Fonz and Malarky
Fonz and
Malarky, blood brothers, but not in the
true sense of the word. They are blood
donors and since being with us at the
Sanctuary have donated their truely
special blood in excess of eight times.
Both of these dogs are so laid back they
are not far off horizontal which does
help as the needle is inserted into the
jugular vein inthe neck. Whilst this
procedure is going on the dog has to
remain as still as possible as the tube
from the needle has to take the blood to
a bag which is usually placed on scales
on the floor so as the desired amount can
be monitored. Fonz and Malarky just stand
there as if it's all in a days work and
we are always so very proud of them.
This breed
have a high red cell count and lower
platelet count meaning 70% of greyhounds
have the type of blood that enables them
to be universal blood donors. This
coupled with their calm disposition makes
them ideal candidates for giving blood.
Upon
completion tea and biscuits is then the
order of the day, well biscuits anyway
which is their little treat from the
Veterinary Practice which called for
their help. There has to be a good months
break inbetwen donating blood so we tend
to alternate them.
Our little
Squibby used to be a donor but at 15.5
years he is now far too old as they like
the dogs under 7 - 8 years old but we
will always remember a happy and funny
story about Squib's blood.
Our little
Squibby in his younger days
A black
Labrador had haemorrhaged after being
spayed and Squibby's blood was used.
Strangely enough it turned out that I
know the owner and she always swore that
Chelsea her lab ran in circles after
receiving a greyhounds blood like he was
on the race track. Unfortunately it is
not always a happy ending as dogs
requiring transfussions are generally
very very poorly but while our guys are
needed day or night they will always be
happy to help a seriously ill dog.
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